Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visited the Royal Mint today to strike a £5 coin commemorating the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

The former PR woman – said to be descended from Welsh prince and warrior Elystan Glodrydd – was shown what to do by coin press setter Paul Barrington.

Adam Lawrence, chief executive and deputy master of The Royal Mint, said: “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex, to The Royal Mint, continuing a long tradition of royal visits throughout our 1,000-year history of minting British coins.

“Her Royal Highness seemed delighted to take part in striking a 2013 £5 coin commemorating the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s coronation.”

The oldest manufacturer in Britain, the Mint has hosted kings and queens over the centuries as they visited to scrutinise coin production.

The Royal Mint said attention was now turning to the coronation anniversary after last year’s Jubilee.

A spokeswoman said the “pomp and ceremony” of the coronation pageant had “captured the hearts and the imagination” of the British.

She said: “It was with this celebration in mind that The Countess of Wessex made this visit to The Royal Mint, representing The Queen and striking a celebratory coin in her honour.”